PREP YOUR BOAT FOR SUMMER WEATHER
Spring has officially sprung and summer is quickly approaching. Boat owners, now is the perfect time to de-winterize your boats and get them ready for warm summer days! Fortunately, there are lots of ways to clean your boat and get it ready without damaging the environment (and you can even find cleaning solutions right in your home cabinets). I have provided a few tips to get you started on your preparation check-list; so if you are ready to invest a little bit of time and elbow grease, you can get your boat summer ready! Also, take a look at the resource links I have provided for a more in-depth preparation guide.
Ways to get your boat ready for summer
Safer, less-toxic and environmentally conscious cleaning tips for boat maintenance
When washing your boat avoid using products that contain chlorine, phosphates, and ammonia when washing the deck and hull surface. These degreasers are toxic both to humans and sea life.
To reduce the need for strong cleansers and products, rinse your boat only with fresh water after each use (this practice also slows organism growth such as algae and barnacles on your boat’s hull).
Look for cleaning products that contain the words “phosphate-free” and “biodegradable” on the label.
Don’t keep open cleaning containers on deck.
Clean spills with rags and avoid cleaning them into the water.
Dispose your unused cleaning supplies at an onshore facility. Do not throw them into the sea or down a storm drain…
Apply a good coat of wax to your boat’s hull every season to slow organism growth.
Dry docking or hauling your boat after each use is very effective in slowing organism growth and it may completely remove the need for toxic anti-fouling hull paints.
To keep your boat in good working condition and to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the water, tune your engine on a regular basis. This also prolongs your engine’s life, increases fuel efficiency and operates more cleanly.
Use non-toxic bilge cleaners. They are less harmful to the water environment as they digest hydrocarbons rather than pump out broken-down oil fragments back into the water…
Instead of using caustic engine cleaners, steam clean your engine in a dedicated service area.
http://boating.ncf.ca/clean.html
http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/vessel_cleaning.htm
http://www.boatoregon.com/sustainable/
http://www.boatus.com/freebies/springlist.htm
www.TriCountyMoms.com
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Category: Healthy Home - Boats
Written by Kristen Holt - Chief Editor for SmartLivingNews
GETTING YOUR BOAT READY FOR SUMMER
If you haven’t already, now is a great time to get your boat ready for the summer! Fortunately, there are lots of healthy alternatives to the toxic cleaning products on the market today for boats…
I have provided a few tips to get you started on your preparation check-list; so if you are ready to invest a little bit of time and elbow grease, you can get your boat summer ready with little cost to the environment! Also, take a look at the resource links I have provided for a more in-depth preparation guide.
Safer, less-toxic and environmentally conscious ways to prepare your boat for the summer.
When washing your boat avoid using products that contain chlorine, phosphates, and ammonia when washing the deck and hull surface. These degreasers are toxic both to humans and sea life.
To reduce the need for strong cleansers and products, rinse your boat only with fresh water after each use (this practice also slows organism growth such as algae and barnacles on your boat’s hull).
Try using old-fashioned cleaners such as baking soda, vinegar, borax, etc. To view a list of cleaning alternatives go to http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/vessel_cleaning.htm.
Look for cleaning products that contain the words “phosphate-free” and “biodegradable” on the label.
Buy only the amount you need and share your leftover supply with other boaters (the smaller the container, the smaller the possible spill).
Don’t keep open cleaning containers on deck.
Clean spills with rags and avoid cleaning them into the water.
Dispose your unused cleaning supplies at an onshore facility. Do not throw them into the sea or down a storm drain…
Apply a good coat of wax to your boat’s hull every season to slow organism growth.
Dry docking or hauling your boat after each use is very effective in slowing organism growth and it may completely remove the need for toxic anti-fouling hull paints.
Conduct all painting and chemical application onshore; and always use a tarp for spills and drips.
To keep your boat in good working condition and to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the water, tune your engine on a regular basis. This also prolongs your engine’s life, increases fuel efficiency and operates more cleanly.
Use non-toxic bilge cleaners. They are less harmful to the water environment as they digest hydrocarbons rather than pump out broken-down oil fragments back into the water…
Instead of using caustic engine cleaners, steam clean your engine in a dedicated service area.
http://www.andersonmarine.com/cleaning.htm
http://www.boats.com/content/default_detail.jsp?contentid=2887
http://www.boats.com/content/default_detail.jsp?contentid=2888
Have a safe and fun weekend!!
